Gifts That Spread the Christmas Spirit

By Linda CarmanPrint Story | Email Story
The annual ornament auction raises funds for the Heifer Project.
WILLIAMSTOWN - Giving gifts at Christmas is a time-honored aspect of the holiday. Scriptual precedent may be the gold, frankincense and myrrh brought by the three Wise Men to the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. In a more general way, gifts signal a wish for abundance in the coming year, and a belief that light and life will return after the year’s darkest days. For many, however, abundance is unimaginable and sustenance a challenge. While expensive garments, gizmos and baubles clog the aisles of interchangable shops, and charities send out their annual appeals, there is a segment of gifts that benefit the needy and delight the recipients at the same time. One such is the auction of ornaments to benefit Heifer Project International, coming up Sunday evening at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Park Street at 6:30. Proceeds buy livestock for needy people, mostly, but not all, in developing countries. Another is Mother Raile’s red lentil soup in a $10 package that includes a recipe for the soup - these, sold through the ecumenical Sudan Relief Task Force, fund educational programs for internally displaced persons in camps outside the country’s capital, Khartoum. While more attention has focused on the ravaged southern region of Darfur, need among other refugees continues. Ornamental Auction Heifer Project auction coordinator Barbara Kourajian, also music director at St. John’s, is elated at the growth of the auction, now in its ninth year, and its proceeds. "When we first started, and raised a little over $100, we thought we were doing really well," Kourajian said. The phrase leaps and bounds can be taken literally: "Two years ago, we raised enough for two heifers, a water buffalo and a hive of bees.” A heifer costs $500. "We don't know exactly which country they're going to - wherever there's a need. Along with the animal, recipients receive training in how to use it. And when the animal has offspring, those are passed along to others in need," Kourajian said. According to information on its Web site, Heifer International has helped seven million families in more than 125 countries improve their life and move toward greater self-reliance since its founding in 1944. And "passing on the gift" helps build strong communities, according to its statement of purpose. “Now the excitement builds as we get close to the cost of some of these larger animals," said Kourajian. "The ornaments are just sort of the frosting now - of course, you get some beautiful ornaments.” Auctioneers are Laurie Glover and Adrienne Wootters, aka Holly and Jolly, the Yule twins. "It's a lot of fun just hearing the banter," Kourajian said. "It's exciting to know you can get together and have fun and really help someone. It's the most fun you can have spending your money." Those unable to attend may drop off a check at the church office to add to the total. The Sudanese Relief Task Force sends money every month "directly into the school programs for salaries, materials, lunch programs," according to co-Chairwoman Elizabeth Williams. Proceeds from the sale of soup goes into the pot, so to speak. The ecumenical organization is based at First Congregational Church with strong participation from St. John’s and First United Methodist. Other gift possibilities are notecards from both the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and ABC (A Better Chance program); maple syrup from Hopkins Forest sugar maples available at Williams College's Center for Environmental Studies, and books from the Williamstown House of Local History. These include "Williamstown Cookery: Celebrating 250 Years of Recipes" and the official town history "Williamstown: The Past 250 years." More Than Muffins A slew of items at Wild Oats Whole Foods Market benefit artisans in various countries. These include baskets from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand and Haiti. Others in that category are winsome angels, a bright blue cat and a pair of onyx candlesticks. "We purchase them through A Greater Gift, which makes sure that the people who make the product are paid a fair wage," said store operations manager Renate Kopynec. And store personnel will gladly help a customer select items such as fair-trade coffee and chocolate, and local items such as wildflower honey or goat cheese, to create an ample gift basket. Unusual gifts - jewelry, note cards, books and an array of tchochkes with style (yes, refrigerator magnets), and of course ubiquitous tote bags are available at the museum shops of both the Williams College Museum of Art and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Possibilities range from William Morris design note cubes to large and amply illustrated books on all manner of art. And while mall and big-box stores can carry pretty much predictable and interchangeable items, small owner-operated stores such as Where'd You Get That!? specialize in whimsical and mind-stretching creations. Laser chess, anyone?
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Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.
 
But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.
 
"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."
 
"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.
 
Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.
 
The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.
 
Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.
 
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